CORRECTED LINK: DATE: March 27, 2020
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” -- Charles Darwin
Though we may not all be Darwin fans, I think his point is well made for us all! On March 25, 2020, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) announced their decision to reduce the minimum required hours for field education in direct response to the hardships experienced by programs, students and other stakeholders due to the COVID-19 outbreak. All social work programs now have the discretion to reduce their individual field hour requirements to 85% of total time, as long as that reduction does not fall below the CSWE minimum.
To date, the UMSSW Office of Field Education (OFE) has worked hard to keep up with the rapidly evolving crisis of COVID-19, resulting mandates for change to preserve safety, and all implications for field education. In less than two weeks, our program has changed from a fully-functioning, in-person field experience to a completely online, remote field experience for almost 900 MSW students, 350 agencies, 1500 field instructors and task supervisors, and 65 liaisons. OFE has essentially re-designed our program while attempting to conform to mandates from Federal and State government and health officials, University System and UMB leadership, CSWE requirements, SSW leadership and the needs and demands of our students. The enormity and challenge of this change cannot be underestimated. We are also very aware that similar challenges present themselves to everyone, and so strive to be as fair and equitable as we can in the face of rapid change.
Most of all, we do care deeply about our students. We care about our agencies, field instructors, task supervisors and liaisons very much as well. And we know we cannot possibly make everyone happy. What we can do, and will continue to do, is be as fair as possible in an ever-changing environment, and model our social work values. It is in this spirit that we offer the opportunity for UMSSW students to choose an option for less time in field.
Consistent with the CSWE decision, UMSSW will allow qualified students to “opt in” for 85% time in field if they choose to do so. Students who choose the reduction in field hours must do so as professionally and ethically as possible by meeting the criteria on the attached form, including:
- Ensure total time in field meets 85% of UMSSW requirements. (see 1 and 2 below)
- Complete and submit all outstanding assignments, including process recordings, monthly reports and macro assignments (foundation).
- Communicate with, and seek approval from field instructors about possible early departure, where possible.
- Appropriately terminate with clients and stakeholders, where possible.
- Secure field instructor agreement to complete student final assessments by dates due, or sooner.
- Complete and submit all outstanding documentation for the agency.
- Participate in final field seminars (foundation students).
- Complete, sign and submit the attached form to your liaison.
- Students on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) must consult with their liaisons and coordinators to determine their ability to choose the 85% option.
We realize that not all students wish to end field early. We know several students have requested exceptions to the remote field mandate so they may continue with their training at field sites. Students who wish to remain in field and complete the time requirement may do so by not choosing the 85% option.
The Option for Reduced Field Hours Form is due to field liaisons by Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Your liaisons might have already contacted you, but please plan to communicate with your liaison if you intend to “opt in” to the 85% Plan, or if you have questions about specific student circumstances. Everyone in the OFE is available to respond as well.
We hope this may bring relief to students and other field stakeholders who struggle to manage this unprecedented time. We also extend tremendous gratitude to everyone who has worked with our students on Remote Activity Plans – your dedication to the preparation of new social workers is without description.
Be well,
